Fantasy Football: Playoff Run Locks
Jay Cutler is a frustrating quarterback, but could be a quality fantasy football play down the stretch. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
With the exception of maybe a few guys at this point in the season the waiver wire starts to look pretty bare. In many leagues the playoffs will start in a few weeks and now is the time to lock in the guys you can count on down the stretch. Here is a look at the “Fantasy Football Locks” that should be chained to your starting roster even if they haven’t had the great season you expected.
QB – Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
The Bears quarterback is at times maddening with the mind-boggling mistakes and unfavorable chances he takes. But the reality is he could be one of the highest scoring quarterbacks down the stretch. Cutler has only thrown less than 34 passes one time this year and he has some decent matchups coming up down the stretch. This includes Tampa Bay, Dallas, and New Orleans. Detroit (twice) and, if your league runs into Week 17, Minnesota are the only unfavorable matchups.
RB – Rashad Jennings, NY Giants
Jennings had 22 touches (18 carries, four receptions) in his first game back from injury and he looks to be back in the driver’s seat as the Giants’ lead back once more. The talented runner has probably the most favorable matchups of any running back the next few weeks with games against Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Washington. Quietly, Jennings may be one of the best running back plays going forward.
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WR – Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Bucs
With Mike Evans exploding, teams are going to have to start shading some coverage to him. This should translate into increased space and hence, targets for Jackson. The Bucs have some sketchy defenses coming up (Chicago, Cincinnati, and Carolina) just as the team is finally starting to realize the potential of its two physically imposing receivers on the outside. Throwing to them is undeniably a good idea. Look for the Buccaneers to do so as they’ll likely be playing from behind often down the stretch.
TE – Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
The vet has been solid in the last three games that he played in. His targets have seen an uptick, which has translated in more catches, yards, and touchdowns than he typically produced this year. Lock Witten into your lineup and ride him into the playoffs.